We're going on the road! A car tour to discover the Costa del Sol

The province of Malaga is full of charming corners to discover, which is why we propose a complete route by car along the Costa del Sol. Those who enjoy driving or admiring the landscape from the window of their seat, will forget about routine while admiring the beauty of the towns of the Costa del Sol.

Car route along the Eastern Costa del Sol

1. Frigiliana

You can start your excursion along the Eastern Costa del Sol with a stop in Frigiliana, one of the most beautiful towns on the Costa del Sol, as well as the most photographed and visited in Spain. Park the car for a few hours and walk through Zacatín and Amargura streets. You will be surprised by its white streets and stone paths, in addition to the impressive views of the Mediterranean Sea that, due to its high altitude, you will be able to contemplate.

2. Maro

Continue driving to Maro, where you can admire the views of the Cliffs Natural Area from the Torre de Maro viewpoint. An unparalleled panoramic view where the sea and the mountains merge, with its steep cliffs, its coves and virgin beaches. Near this area we also recommend making a stop to visit the Cueva de Nerja, known as the “prehistoric cathedral” and which is for many the first work of art of humanity.

3. Nerja

Following this road, your next stop will be Nerja, a town that invites you to walk through its famous 'Balcony of Europe', from where you will see a beautiful panoramic view of the coast. You can also visit its historic center and some of its main monuments, such as the church of El Salvador or the hermitage of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias. The most nostalgic will love walking through the park that pays tribute to the series 'Verano Azul', which was filmed in the 80s in this town. There you can still take photos next to the famous Chanquete boat, among other surprises. Something that you cannot ignore in Nerja is its delicious typical gastronomy, with Malaga dishes as tasty as ajoblanco with grapes.

4. Vélez – Málaga and Torre del Mar

We will continue driving a few more kilometers until we reach Torre del Mar, the coastal area of Vélez – Málaga. This beach has been awarded the Q for quality and a Blue Flag, which proves that it is ideal for enjoying a swim with all the comforts. Its promenade has a large number of beach bars where you can eat fried fish and other typical specialties. We can also take advantage of the visit to tour Vélez – Málaga and its rich historical and cultural heritage, with monuments as important as the Palace of the Marquis of Benieles, the most representative building of the civil architecture of the capital of Axarquía, the Hospital of San Juan. of God, founded in 1487 by the Catholic Monarchs, or the House of Cervantes, an old 16th century home where the famous writer is said to have stayed.

5. Victory Corner

The last stop on our excursion along the Eastern Costa del Sol is Rincón de la Victoria, a town that provides a different perspective to our route, with its jungle landscape and its spectacular historical monuments, such as the Bezmiliana Castle or La Cueva del Tesoro, where you can admire cave paintings. And to regain strength, there is nothing better than trying the traditional anchovies in the beach bars along the coast.

Car route along the Western Costa del Sol

1. Benalmadena

From Rincón de la Victoria, we will drive directly to the other end of the Costa del Sol, where Benalmádena awaits us. Its historic center represents calm through a picturesque urban landscape of narrow streets and squares. Culture manifests itself in very different ways in Benalmádena. The Felipe Orlando Museum of Pre-Columbian Art is a must-see, as it houses one of the best collections in Spain. Other original visits are the Colomares Castle and the Bil Bil Castle, an Arab construction that stands out in the coastal landscape thanks to its reddish color.

2. Mijas

The road continues to Mijas, another of the most spectacular towns on the Western Costa del Sol. Between white houses and narrow streets, Mijas offers one of the most beautiful views of the Mediterranean. The visit to the old town, declared a Historic-Artistic Site, will take us to see the Gardens and the Mirador de la Muralla, remains of the old fortress on which the municipality was created. From its viewpoint, you can contemplate one of the most impressive panoramic views of the Costa del Sol. Art lovers will enjoy visiting the wonderful Mijas Contemporary Art Center, which houses works by artists such as Picasso, Salvador Dalí or Miró. Another curious monument that is worth visiting for its peculiarity is the Mijas Bullring, oval in shape and nestled on the rock, its access port has the appearance of a typical white house.

3. Fuengirola

Less than twenty minutes by car separate Mijas from Fuengirola, the next stop on our route along the Costa del Sol. Walking along its extensive promenade along the beaches of the municipality is a real pleasure. Along the way you will find a lively atmosphere and its bars and restaurants will seduce your palate with their irresistible smell of fried fish and sardine skewers. Among its main monuments, the Sohail Castle stands out, with its impressive views of the Mediterranean and the Mijas mountain range, and the Finca del Secretary archaeological site, with remains from between the 1st and 5th centuries AD.

4.Marbella

Our car route along the Costa del Sol could not overlook a visit to Marbella:: one of the most famous municipalities in Malaga. Culture, leisure and glamor have given national and international fame to Marbella, visited by countless celebrities every year. The undeniable beauty of its historic center, with its beautiful alleys, squares and whitewashed facades are to blame for this popularity. Shopping in its luxurious boutiques, strolling through the extravagant Puerto Banús, dining in its distinguished restaurants or having fun in its beach clubs, are just some of the many attractions that Marbella offers to visitors.

5. Estepona

The choice of the last stop on our route is not coincidental, since Estepona is the living reflection of the typical traditional Andalusian town. Probably the most famous thing about this municipality is its beaches, but the truth is that its old town is one of the most beautiful in Andalusia, offering tourists the possibility of enjoying a true urban garden, with its typical houses decorated with geraniums in the facades. Estepona is committed to culture and exhibits art in its streets. Outdoor sculptures, artistic murals that decorate the facades of the buildings and give life to their streets... A rich and diverse heritage surprises the visitor, who can walk through the different neighborhoods and areas that house in their buildings pictorial works of great quality, and discover a new way of enjoying art.

This car route through the Eastern and Western Costa del Sol concludes in Estepona. But, if you like driving, many more itineraries await you in Malaga to explore impressive corners throughout the territory on four wheels, such as this route through three of the most beautiful towns in the province. Get to know many more municipalities on the Costa del Sol here.

Font: visita costa del sol

Posted on September 6, 2023